Charles Laverne Hempenstall

Tuesday

Nov 6, 2012 at 12:01 AMDec 12, 2012 at 12:17 PM

Charles Laverne Hempenstall, 77, of Gaylord passed away peacefully at his home on Nov. 3.He was born in East Detroit on July 29, 1935 to Charles and Evelyn (Vliet) Hempenstall. Charles, also known as “Good Time Charlie,” was an entrepreneur and an incredibly talented and successful salesman.

Charles Laverne Hempenstall77, Gaylord

Charles Laverne Hempenstall, 77, of Gaylord passed away peacefully at his home on Nov. 3.He was born in East Detroit on July 29, 1935 to Charles and Evelyn (Vliet) Hempenstall. Charles, also known as “Good Time Charlie,” was an entrepreneur and an incredibly talented and successful salesman.In 1975 Charles opened EZ-Lift Inc., which grew to be Michigan’s largest garage and entry door distribution company, with two locations in Madison Heights and one in Gaylord. He was very active in the Elks and Eagles and was also a charter member of the Moose Lodge in Cheboygan and a member of the Detroit Athletic Club. Early in his sales career, his boss and mentor enrolled Charles in a Dale Carnegie course, in which he excelled. Mrs. Carnegie offered him a position to teach the course, which he did for several months.“Good Time Charlie” was a unique man and loved by most that met him. He was a role model to his children and grandchildren, who loved him endlessly. He enjoyed family time and always looked forward to cocktail hour!He is survived by his wife, Marilyn (Trombly) Hempenstall; his children, Douglas (Karen) Hempenstall, Diane (Wayne) Tebo, Suzanne (Jeffrey) Vivian, Diane (Robert) Frendo, Michael (Lynn) Trombly, Mark (Laurel) Trombly, Brian (Tina) Trombly and Jill Klopcic; grandchildren, Douglas, Christopher, Joe, Natalie, Ryan, Tiffany, Amanda, Jacqueline, Griffin, Jackson, Hunter, Trever, Collin, Brooke, Kirsten, John, Lauren, Thomas, Austin, Ethan, Zachary and Tyler; 10 great-grandchildren; and sister, Carol Ann (Terrance) Fenech. He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Evelyn Hempenstall.Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Nov. 7, at 2 p.m. from the Nelson Funeral Home, 135 N. Center Ave. Gaylord, Mich., where family and friends will be received from 10 a.m. until the hour of services. A special presentation by the Elks Lodge will take place at 1:30 p.m.lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Charles may be made to the Otsego County Food Pantry through the Nelson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1548 Gaylord, MI 49734